Abuja, Nigeria – In response to a growing wave of kidnappings targeting students, teachers, and religious figures, the Nigerian government has announced a significant increase in its police force. President Bola Tinubu has authorized the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers to bolster internal security across the nation.
The decision follows a series of alarming incidents, including the abduction of nearly 400 individuals, primarily schoolchildren, which have sparked widespread public concern and international pressure. The move aims to address the escalating security challenges and ensure the safety of vulnerable populations.
President Tinubu has also ordered the reassignment of thousands of personal security guards from politicians and high-profile individuals to frontline policing duties. This redistribution of resources is intended to strengthen law enforcement presence in critical areas and improve response times to security threats.
The recent surge in kidnappings has drawn condemnation from global leaders. Pope Leo XIV issued an urgent appeal for the release of those abducted, expressing “profound sorrow” over the escalating violence. He emphasized the need for churches and schools to remain “safe havens” and urged authorities to take swift and decisive action to secure the hostages’ freedom.
The Pope highlighted that the threat extends beyond any single religious group, asserting that terrorism in the region is linked to “the economy of war and control of territory,” impacting both Muslims and Christians. The international community is closely monitoring the security situation in Nigeria, with increasing calls for accountability and enhanced protection for educational and religious institutions.
The past week witnessed a series of devastating attacks, most notably the raid on a Catholic school in western Nigeria, where 315 students and teachers were abducted. A similar incident occurred in Kebbi State, resulting in the kidnapping of 25 female students. While approximately 50 students have managed to escape and return to their families, the overall situation remains precarious.
President Tinubu has postponed planned visits to South Africa and Angola to focus on the deteriorating security situation. The government faces mounting pressure to address the root causes of the violence and restore stability to the affected regions.
